Effects of mycorrhizal fungi and selenium foliar application on yield, chlorophyll fluorescence, and some physiological traits of rye (Secale cereale L.) under salinity stress

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. student, Crop Physiology, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Professors, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a key cereal crop, recognized for its historical significance and resilience. It exhibits exceptional adaptability for cultivation in arid, semi-arid, and marginal environments, including acidic soils or those contaminated with heavy metals, and functions effectively as a soil improver. Salinity, a major abiotic stress, severely compromises physiological and morphological traits in plants, leading to ionic toxicity, nutrient imbalance, and the degradation of cellular and photosynthetic structures. To mitigate the detrimental effects of salinity, the exogenous application of biological and inorganic protectants, specifically arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and selenium (Se), has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing plant resilience and crop productivity. As a beneficial trace element, selenium (Se) exerts hormone-like effects, enhancing growth, metabolism, and environmental stress resistance when applied at optimal concentrations. Selenium also enhances the nutritional quality of agricultural products by increasing their amino acid content. Similarly, AMF, acting as symbiotic organisms, play a pivotal role in promoting plant growth under salinity stress. By establishing specialized intraradical structures, these fungi facilitate nutrient uptake and transport, thereby enhancing host resilience to environmental stresses. Additionally, they alleviate salinity stress by activating defense mechanisms, inducing secondary metabolite production, and improving soil structure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of AMF and Se on chlorophyll fluorescence dynamics and physiological traits of rye under salinity stress.
 
Materials and methods
A factorial experiment, based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, was conducted in 2024 at the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. The experimental treatments consisted of three salinity levels (0, 65, and 130 mM NaCl), two mycorrhizal inoculation levels (non-inoculated and inoculated with Glomus mosseae), and four selenium (Se) foliar concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mg L⁻¹). Seeds of a local rye genotype native to Ardabil were sown at a density of 380 seeds m⁻², corresponding to 61 seeds per pot. AMF inoculum (Glomus mosseae) was obtained from Zist Fanavar Turan Co. and applied to the soil at a rate of 20 g m⁻² (equivalent to 3.2 g per pot), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Selenium solutions were prepared by dissolving sodium selenate in deionized water using an ultrasonic bath (100 W, 40 kHz) to ensure complete dissolution. Foliar application of Se was performed during the stem elongation stage. Electrical conductivity (EC) was measured using an EC meter (Model Mi 180 Bench Meter, Milwaukee Instruments). The flag leaf chlorophyll index was assessed using a portable chlorophyll meter (SPAD-502, Minolta, Japan). Furthermore, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F0, Fv, Fm, Fᵥ/Fm​) were recorded using a portable fluorometer (Optic Science-OS-30, USA). Soluble protein content in flag leaf tissue was quantified at the flowering stage (BBCH 61) using the Bradford assay. At maturity, five representative plants per pot were sampled to determine the mean grain yield per plant for subsequent data analysis. The experimental data were analyzed using SAS (version 9.4), and treatment means were compared using the LSD test at the 0.05 probability level.
 
Results and discussion
Results indicated that salinity stress significantly decreased chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including maximum fluorescence (Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv), and quantum yield (Fv/Fm), as well as grain yield and chlorophyll and nitrogen indices; however, it increased minimum fluorescence (F0). Conversely, the application of mycorrhiza and selenium effectively mitigated the adverse effects of salinity, as evidenced by significant reductions in electrical conductivity and F0 values. At the highest salinity level, the combined application of selenium and mycorrhiza at flowering stage (86 days after planting) significantly increased chlorophyll index (85.3%), nitrogen index (57.2%), Fm (48.3%), Fv (207%), Fv/Fm (44.2%), and grain yield per plant (75.3%) compared with untreated plants under the same salinity conditions. Furthermore, across all sampling stages, the individual or combined application of selenium and mycorrhiza consistently decreased electrical conductivity and F0 (minimum fluorescence).
 
Conclusion
In conclusion, the application of selenium and mycorrhiza enhances grain yield in rye under salt stress, primarily by improving physiological attributes.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences

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Available Online from 07 June 2026

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  • Receive Date: 12 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 05 May 2025

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